Setting Up A Fresh Water Aquarium: Our Best Tips

For those new to the fishkeeping hobby, a freshwater aquarium is a great place to start. It’s much simpler to maintain than a saltwater aquarium, and with a few tools to help sustain your filtration system, you’ll be able to provide a home for your fish that thrives.

 

Consider the following guide to help you with installing your very first freshwater aquarium in your home.

 

Prepare your tank and its location

This may seem obvious, but it's important to consider where you plan to place your tank in your home. Environmental factors like space and sunlight will all have an impact on the right size of your tank and the choice of fish you intend to include in your aquarium.

 

Once you’ve picked out a tank and installed its stand, be sure to clean it properly from debris or dust with plain water.Avoid using any soaps, cleaners, or chemicals as they can contaminate your water and have a severe impact on your fish.

 

Add the substrate foundation

Choose your substrate, whether it’s gravel, sand or rocks, and place it at the bottom of your tank. It’s important to rinse the substrate with plain water, just like your aquarium, to ensure all dust is removed without introducing harmful chemicals into your tank.

 

Be sure to research the fish you intend to include in your tank and provide the correct substrate that allows them to enjoy the aquarium like a natural home. Pieces of wood provide great hiding spots for smaller fish, and pebbles add a decorative touch to your tank.

Choose your filtration system

This is a critical step. Consider how large your tank is and choose a filtration system accordingly. For example, if you are housing larger fish or multiple fish in a single tank, a more efficient filtration system like a reverse osmosis membrane filter may be best for sustaining the delicate pH needed.

 

Filtration systems are key because they remove the harmful chemicals like ammonia and chlorine, often found in our tap water supply. At Finerfilters, we have an array of filtration system options, including carbon filters, filter housings, sediment filters, and RO upgrade kits.

 

Be sure never to turn on your filter until it is placed in the tank or on the edge of the aquarium that is already filled with water. Otherwise, you could damage your filter and have to replace it.

Pick and place your decorative features

This is where you get creative and explore your favourite decorations. Do you like a pirate ship or seashells? Maybe large rocks or aquatic plants? Whatever you decide to add, be sure to rinse gently with clean water before placing them at the base of your tank.

Fill your aquarium with clean water

It is important to make sure the water is filtered for a little while before using it in your tank to make sure that the filter system is cleared out of any potential contaminants.

 

You can run your water through an RO filter system to have it properly prepared for your fish to be introduced to the tank.

Turn on your heater and place in the tank

It is now when you can place your heater into your tank. It’s important to place your heater properly near a pump or filter outlet to make sure the heat evenly distributes throughout the tank.

 

You can also include lighting and lamps that will add extra warmth to your tank (only if necessary). Remember to refer to your particular breed of fish to know exactly what temperature is optimal for their environment.

 

It’s important to note as well that direct sunlight is not recommended as a light source for your tank as it is impossible to maintain a consistent temperature and it promotes algae growth which can make your fish sick.

Allow your water to stabilise

That’s right. You need to give your tank time to stabilise with your filtration system running before adding your fish. How long does this take? Usually between 1-2 weeks to properly prepare.

 

While that timeframe may seem discouraging, it is essential to adhere to it. Introducing your fish too soon can put them at risk and harm your marine friends severely. Rather than set yourself back in money and resources, just remain patient and allow your tank to settle.

Test your water parameters

Now you can test the tank to be sure the pH is up to par for aquatic life. Use a test strip or a digital water meter to test your water quality. That way, you’ll know if you need to run your filter system a bit longer to prepare for your fish.

Introduce your fish

Finally, you can introduce your fish friends to their new home! Be sure to do this gradually and one at a time if possible. First by submerging the bag and then allowing the water to naturally flow inside for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps your fish from having a shock to the system with the drastic change in their environment.

 

Try to avoid introducing more than two or three fish into your tank at a time. It may be good to buy fish gradually and introduce them slowly. That way you don’t overwhelm them, your tank, or your filter system working hard to maintain a safe and stable water pH.

Enjoy Your Freshwater Tank!

And there you have it! A comprehensive and fool-proof guide on how to properly install and set up your freshwater tank. With a little patience and preparation, you can have a beautiful and lively tank on display in your home.

 

 For more tips and tricks on how to properly sustain your fishkeeping filtration system, check out our other blog posts here. 

 

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